Brokaw pays tribute to Downing, veterans

Wayne Allen Downing. Translated, that name means duty, honor, country, one of the most recognizable and renowned TV newsman of this era said Thursday.

Karen McDonald

Wayne Allen Downing. Translated, that name means duty, honor, country, one of the most recognizable and renowned TV newsman of this era said Thursday.

Downing, a Peoria native and a retired four-star general who died unexpectedly last summer, "gave so much of his life and public service to this country and yet never forgot the place from which he came," former NBC "Nightly News" anchor Tom Brokaw said while sharing memories of Downing.

Brokaw, temporary moderator of the Sunday political talk show "Meet the Press," talked about Downing, who also was his friend, before more than 1,300 people at Goodwill Industries' Veterans Recognition Dinner in the Civic Center ballroom.

He also shared observations about the economic times, sentiment in America and the military during the event, which honored veterans and active military.

Maj. Anthony Newtson was given the first Wayne A. Downing award for best exemplifying the character of the late general. Downing was the former commander of the nation's Special Forces and the man picked by President George W. Bush after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to be the point man for counterterrorism.

"Those who served with him, those happy few, that band of brothers who shared their love with him will always be his brother. The rest of us, however, will always be profoundly grateful for his services ..." Brokaw said.

The veteran broadcaster discussed current challenges in America, equating them to war with cross currents of hope and change brought by President-elect Barack Obama.

"It is going to be incumbent upon all of us: Republican, Democrat, Independent or Libertarian, wherever we live and whatever we do, on Jan. 20 when this young man is inaugurated as president of the United States, we not only respect the office and wish him well, but re-enlist as citizens of the United States," Brokaw said.

"The time that we face now will be measured not only by the performance of Barack Obama ... all of us have a stake in how we meet these challenges, find common ground again and move the country forward."

Peorians Jim and Fay Martin have several relatives in the military and wanted to hear Brokaw firsthand.

"To get somebody of his stature to come here because of his good friend and speak about veterans is a pretty amazing and lucky thing for our community," Jim Martin said, adding that being surrounded by so many veterans and active military members, "you really get a lesson in humble pie quickly."

World War II veteran Marion Oltman of Pekin was moved to tears by the tribute, which included a POW-MIA honors ceremony.

"War is hell, God has his hand on my shoulder all the way through it," he said.

Kathy Downing, the late general's wife, also spoke briefly Thursday expressing gratitude to those who attended.

"I think Peoria is a hero in this and a winner and something to be recognized," she said.

At $50 per person, proceeds from the dinner are earmarked toward the agency's work with veterans.

Three years ago, Goodwill opened a veterans home in Peoria. The home is a rehabilitative environment for honorably discharged male veterans and offers job training to help them get back on their feet. It was the first of its kind in the state.

Karen McDonald can be reached at (309) 686-3285 or kmcdonald@pjstar.com.